Over the past few years, I have become aware of the terrible impact of violence upon us as a people. Child Abuse. Rape. The exercise of privilege based upon color of skin or a particular arrangement of genitals. Genocide. The use of pesticides that kills our honeybees and other pollinators, mono-crop agriculture, hogs and chickens that are raised in cages that are too small for them to turn around in, hunger, and food deserts. Animal testing of cosmetics so that we can achieve a Madison Avenue definition of beauty. Under-employment and poverty. Limited access to healthcare and western medicine itself. The bastardization of and manipulation of the spiritual teachings of the masters. Depression. Impotence. Genital mutilation. Helplessness. Prejudice. Homelessness and prisons. Earthquakes, floods, and tsunamis. Road Rage. Bullying. Male-Bashing. Our deplorable education system. Peer pressure….
The list is unfortunately endless. Everywhere I look, and everyone I see has been touched by violence in some way.
In times past, I have become despondent in reaction to all this violence. I have felt that my efforts were too small, too narrow, to be any foil to the astonishing impact of violence.
We individually cannot do it all. That is the beauty of this community, this kula. My passions are centered on plentiful and nourishing food for all. Your passions may be focused upon financial equity, child protection, gender-based discriminations, or some other need.
One thing we can do it to begin to name it, and then own our personal violences. If my rash words results in injury to another being, that is violent. If I throw my paper cup out of my car window, that is an act of violence. If I am silent while a person, corporation, or government perpetrates violence, I am complicit in that violence.
I do believe that each action is connected to all other actions. I believe that each of us is a microcosm, and each of us has the potential to make our own unique and powerful contribution. As we explore our curiosities and follow our passions, we begin to re-blaze our trails, to establish new ways of being on this planet. Ways that involve less violence and more pleasure.
Once a month, on the last day of the month, I hold space for those who have been injured by violence. I breathe in with a concentration of healing and happiness, and breathe out sending this energy to all who have been touched by violence.
If you feel inspired, you may wish to either join me on that particular day, or create your own ritual. I suggest that your ritual focus upon healing and happiness, rather than upon the wrongs themselves. Let us begin, by our own courageous awareness and intention, to stem the flood of violence, and by so doing, contribute to the health, healing and happiness of all.